Katjana

ABSTRACT

A new and distinct cultivar of Alstroemeria plant named Katjana, characterized by its reddish-purple outer petals and the bright yellow and cream coloring of the inner two-thirds of the top inner petals length and strong dark streaking on the inside portion of the entire inner petal body.

BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION

The present invention comprises a new and distinct cultivar ofAlstroemeria plant referred to by the cultivar name Katjana. Katjana wasoriginated from a hybridization program in Roelofarendsveen, TheNetherlands in 1985. Each of the parent plants were proprietary hybrids,and have not been released or marketed, and are maintained strictly foruse in the breeding program. Katjana was discovered and selected as oneflowering plant within the progeny of the stated parentage by me on Jul.21, 1985 in a controlled environment in Roelofarendsveen, TheNetherlands. The first asexual reproduction of Katjana was accomplishedwhen vegative cuttings were taken from initial selection on Nov. 6, 1985in a controlled environment in Roelofarendsveen in The Netherlands.Horticultural examination of selected units initiated in November 1985has demonstrated that the combination of characteristics as hereindisclosed for Katjana are firmly fixed and retained through generationsof asexual reproduction. The following observations, measurements andcomparisons describe plants grown in Roelofarendsveen, The Netherlandsunder greenhouse conditions which apporixmate those generally used incommercial practice. The following traits have been repeatedly observedand are determined to be basic characteristics of Katjana, which incombination distinguish this Alstroemeria from its parent and all othervarieties of which I am aware:

1. The outer petals have a distinctive reddish-purple color, which isstrongest in a blush in the central area below the green tip. Thesethree petals contain a faint pattern of subdued dark reddish-purplestripes in irregular patterns substantially confined to the marginalportions of the lobes of these petals.

2. The inner petals are characterized by an unusual combination ofcolors and pattern of stripes. The tops and bottoms of the two top innerpetals are shaded with light red-purple coloration which is mostintensive at the apex. A broad band of creamy-white occupies about halfof the area of each top inner petal, and dominates the central portionof each of these petals; suffusing gradually to the red-purple at thetops and bottoms. The central portion of the white band is stronglyshaded with a bright yellow spot which is strongest in the middle ofeach of these petals and blends progressively to the creamy-white colorof the band from the center of the petal. These two petals conain amyriad of conspicuous dark reddish-purple stripes which are short andnarrow at the base of the petal and increase in length and width withincreasing distance from the attachment points of petals. The bottominner petal contains similar reddish-purple color, and stripes but doesnot contain a central creamy-white band and the stripes aresubstantially confined to the apical half of this petal.

3. The startling combination of petal colors and markings of the flowersof this plant give dramatic and attractive distinction to this varietywhich has not been seen in previous plants of this market class.

BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE FIGURE OF THE DRAWING

The accompanying photographic drawing of a close-up of the flower inbloom and buds shows typical inflorescence and foliage characteristicsof Katjana nearly as true as possible with illustrations of this type.In the following description, color references are made to The RoyalHorticultural Society Color Chart (RHS). The color values weredetermined in the afternoon in May 1988 at Roelofarendsveen, TheNetherlands.

BOTANICAL DESCRIPTION OF THE PLANT

Botanical: Alstroemeria cv Katjana.

Commercial: Alstroemeria.

PLANT

A. General appearance:

Form.--Typical of genus, of about lower than average height for themarket class; upright stems, spreading by rhizomes, bush forming.

Height.--Measured from the surface of the soil to the highest flowers:Summer: about 120-150 cm. Winter: about 150-200 cm. (If grown as abedding plant outside, the height will be about 40 cm during the summerand about 50 cm during the winter).

Growth.--Upright, spreading through rhizomes, vigor is average. Use ofthis plant is for cut flower production.

B. Foliage:

Quantity.--Medium.

Stems.--When mature: about 50-70 per plant, per year.

Number of leaves.--Varying from season to season through the year:Summer: about 20 per stem. Winter: about 30 per stem.

Internode.--Length: about 10 cm, varies with light intensity and season.

Size of leaf.--Length: Long, about 11 cm. Width: Broad, about 3.5 cm

Shape of leaf.--Elliptical.

Color of leaf.--Typical of the genus. upper side: dark green. underside: dark green.

Texture.--Smooth.

C. Rhizomes:

Color.--White.

Size.--Average.

INFLORESCENCE

A. Bud:

Form.--Normal elliptical.

Size.--Diameter: About 2.5 cm just prior to opening. Length: About 3 cm.

Receptacle.--Broadly elliptical.

B. Flower:

Flower production.--High: about 50-70.

Size.--Width: about 6 cm. Depth: about 4 cm.

Borne.--Umbel of about 5 branches of substantially uniform length; eachbearing about 5 or more buds on short peduncles.

Blooming habit.--When grown under controlled conditions: continuous theyear around. The plant would bloom freely when grown as a bedding plant.Blind stems are produced in the fall and winter.

Outer petals.--Shape: lobed. Size: Length: about 3 cm. Width: about 2cm. Color: Reddish-purple color near to RHS 60-D which is strongest in ablush, in the central area below the green tip; and, dark reddish purplestripes in irregular patterns substantially confined to the marginalportions of the lobes. Reverse side: near to 60-D. Margins: very finelydentate.

Inner petals.--Shape: lanceolate. Size: Length: About 2.5 cm. Width:About 1-1.5 cm. Color: Upper petals: From adjacent base towards theupper most portion cream with yellow colored near to RHS 4-A. Upper mostportion of the body near to 60-D, with a myriad of conspicuous darkreddish-purple stripes which are short and narrow at the base of thepetal and increase in length and width with increasing distance from theattachment points of the petals. Reverse side: Near to 60-D with somecreme-yellow. Bottom petal: Similar reddish-purple color -- 60-D -- asthe outer petals with long dark purple stripes which are substantiallyconfined in the apical half, with some smaller purple stripes near themargins. Reverse side: Near to 60-D. Margins: Irregular undulations.

Peduncle.--Color: Medium green. Length: About 12.5 cm.

Fragrance.--None.

Lasting quality.--Approximately 14 days.

C. Reproductive organs:

Size.--Typical for genus.

Stamens.--Number: 6.

Anthers.--Color: green-yellow.

Filaments.--Color: Light purple.

Pistils.--Color: Strong anthocyanin. Number: 1.

Stigma.--Color: Anthocyanin.

Fertility.--Very easy.

I claim:
 1. A new and distinct cultivar of Alstroemeria named Katjana,as illustrated and described herein, characterized by its reddish-purpleouter petals and the bright yellow and cream coloring of the innertwo-thirds of the top inner petals length and strong dark streaking onthe inside portion of the entire inner petal body.